In this podcast we hear from Dr. Kari Ekenstedt who discusses Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN). Through her research Dr. Ekenstedt, along with a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota, the University of Bern, and the University of California San Diego, has identified a genetic mutation that points to the early onset of inherited LPN. In identifying this genetic mutation, Dr. Ekenstdet has been able to develop a genetic test for the leonberger breed. By testing leonbergers, an early diagnosis can be made and carriers of the mutation can be identified for breeding purposes.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.

In this edition of Genome Barks we bring you an interview with Dr. Jerry Bell, Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and a small animal veterinarian at Freshwater Veterinary Hospital in Enfield, CT.

In this podcast Dr. Bell discusses the importance of testing canine breeding stock to screen for preventable genetic diseases. He explains the advantages to breeders, dog owners, parent clubs, veterinarians, and the general public when their dog undergoes genetic tests and the results are then registered with CHIC (Canine Health Info Center). In doing so, preventable genetic diseases may be reduced or eliminated from the canine population, leading to healthier dogs and happier dog owners.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.

In this edition of Genome Barks we bring you an interview with Dr. Alison Starr, a scientific investigator at the Clemson Canine Genetics Research Group, which studies hereditary diseases in the domestic dog. Dr. Starr has received funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation and her current research is focused on the development of genetic tests to help predict and screen for hereditary diseases.

In this podcast Dr. Starr discusses her study of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD), a bone disease that usually affects young, rapidly growing, large breed dogs. Specifically, she is looking at HOD in Irish Setters. Additionally, Dr. Starr discusses her study of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP), a disease that results in the abnormal deformity of the ball of the hip joint and usually occurs in young miniature and small breeds of dogs. Specifically, she is looking at LCP in West Highland White Terriers and other Terrier breeds. For both HOD and LCP, Dr. Starr is hoping to discover the gene or genes responsible for these diseases so that genetic tests might be developed as a tool for producing better and healthier dogs.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.